And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Ministry Team
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Rev. Drew Mills
Senior Pastor
Pastor Drew has served Lakeport Wesleyan Church since 2000. Drew is married to his lovely wife, Melody. They have two boys, Silas and Benjamin and a daughter, Madelyn. Drew graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and Psychology, and from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2000, with a Master of Divinity Degree. Drew enjoys running, biking and playing volleyball. Drew grew up in the blue water area and loves living near the lake!
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Rev. Joel Higginbotham
Assistant Pastor of Youth and Young Adults
Pastor Joel joined the Lakeport Wesleyan ministry team in July of 2014. He is married to his bride, Jessica and they have two sons, Noah and Micah, who keep things lively at home. The Higginbothams hail from Marion, Indiana and are high school sweethearts. Joel graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and Jessica graduated from Western International University. Joel also received his Master's of Divinity from Wesley Seminary at IWU in 2013. Joel is passionate about ministry to youth and young adults. He is an eagle scout, enjoys being outside, loves to cook, eat bbq, and spends his 'free time' with his two boys. -
Rev. Renee Leslie
Assistant Pastor of Children
Pastor Renee has been a long-time member of Lakeport Wesleyan Church. Renee taught in local public and Christian schools for several years. In recent years, she answered a call to ministry and was ordained in June 2008. While she is now the Children's Pastor, Renee has taught and worked with teens and adults as well as drama / music ministries at LWC. She ministered in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch and in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake. She is married to her devoted husband, Fred, and has four grown daughters: Casey (& Trevor), Meagan (& Matt), Lindsay (& Steve) and Jenna (& Matt) plus many grandchildren! Renee enjoys foreign languages/cultures, gardening, reading, fishing, super roller-coasters and all things "animal-y."
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Rev. Doug Studaker
Pastor Doug has been appointed to the Lakeport Wesleyan ministry team since 2012. Doug was ordained in 2008. He is married to his best friend and teammate in ministry, Connie. They have 2 adult children, daughter Harmony Marie and son and daughter-in-law, Doug II and Tricia. They have 2 grandchildren James and Kaitlin. Doug's hobbies are exercise, following the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan State Spartans. He is also a huge fan of his family.
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Rev. Lyle Reynolds
Pastor Lyle has served Wesleyan congregations in Michigan and in the blue water area for over 55 years. He is the husband of Darolene, his partner in ministry, and has two adult daughters Peggy and Cindy (Dale), five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pastor Lyle calls at the hospital for those who are sick, at the nursing homes and those who are home bound. He enjoys the Detroit Tigers, working in his yard and his grandchildren.
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MRs. Maralee Smith
Maralee is passionate about worship and music. She grew up singing in church with her family, so ministry has always been part of her life. Maralee is married to Dennis, her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children: Aaron (Brittany) and Annalee (Nick), and a granddog, Franklin. She has served in the music ministry here at Lakeport Wesleyan since 2004 and enjoys working alongside her son!
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Mr. Aaron Smith
Since his family started attending Lakeport in 2001, Aaron has worn many "hats" in the music ministry. Currently, he shares the title of Worship leader with his mom, Maralee. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business and Voice from Anderson University and serves as the Managing Director of the Riverbank Performing Arts Academy. Aaron is married to Brittany, who shares his passion for music and theater. He feels blessed to be able to share his gifts with his church family.
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Mrs. Debbie MacLean
Office Administrator
Debbie has attended Lakeport Wesleyan for many years and superbly manages the many supportive ministry tasks of the front office. She is married to Alvin and has 3 daugthers: Amanda who is married to Randy, Ila and Marcie. Debbie keeps the pastors on track and makes them look good most of the time. She loves camping, the water and her dog Hershey.
